Leu Gardens or Henry P Leu botanical gardens is situated on 50 acres close to downtown Orlando and is one of the most relaxing places in central Florida.
As you stroll along nearly three miles of walkways you will enjoy seeing some of what old Florida used to look like. Enjoy looking at over 2,000 varieties of plants, separated into different garden areas and more than 50 species of trees including oaks, palms and cicadas.

Henry P Leu, a Florida businessman, created these gardens on his estate before donating it to the city of Orlando in the 1960's. The 19th century home that now houses the museum was originally built in 1888 as a farm house and is now listed in the National Historic Register of Historic Places.  Henry Leu and his wife decided to donate their home and gardens to the city they loved, with the stipulation that it would remain as a botanical garden and would always be a nonprofit place for all to see. 

Separated into several sections you will find a butterfly garden with over 100 different plants incorporated with the butterflies in mind.  There are larval plants just for the butterflies to lay their eggs on and the larvae to hatch and there are nectar plants for the butterflies to feed on.

The rose garden features over 1,000 types of roses and is affectionately named for Mary Jane Leu, wife to Henry Leu.  This formal rose garden has roses that bloom year round, but peaks in the spring and the fall seasons.  Henry Leu's passion was for Camellias and here you will find one of the largest collections in the United States, featuring over 25 species from all over the world.

Whether you are just looking for a relaxing place away from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks or are a lover of all things botanical, you will find it at the Henry P Leu botanical gardens in Orlando.  Raised beds of grass have been provided to allow wheelchair bound people to enjoy sitting in the grass without the strain of getting in and out of their wheelchair. 

The Henry P Leu gardens are an oasis in the middle of one of America's busiest vacation cities, make sure to stop by and smell the roses.  The gardens are open from 9-5 every day of the year except for Christmas Day, however the museum is closed in July.  Rates are $7 for adults and $2 for ages K-12. Children under kindergarten age are free and Monday mornings from 9-12 are free for all.(Images on this page Courtesy of Josh Hope and Steve )